First Report of the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne hapla Parasitizing Roses in Ethiopia

Area of Science:

• Plant Nematology
• Agricultural Entomology
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• Meloidogyne hapla is a significant plant-parasitic nematode causing substantial damage to crops in temperate regions.
• Ethiopia's rose production is a rapidly growing export industry, making it vulnerable to nematode infestations.
• The potential economic impact of M. hapla on Ethiopian rose cultivation necessitates understanding its presence and distribution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detect and identify Meloidogyne hapla in Ethiopian rose-producing farms.
• To confirm the presence of M. hapla using both morphological and molecular methods.
• To establish the first record of M. hapla in Ethiopia and assess its implications for the rose industry.

Main Methods:

• Field surveys were conducted in major rose-producing districts of Ethiopia.
• Soil samples were analyzed for the presence of Meloidogyne hapla using morphological and morphometrical identification of nematode stages.
• Molecular identification was performed by sequencing the D2-D3 expansion segment of the 28S rDNA gene.

Main Results:

• Meloidogyne hapla was detected in six out of nine surveyed rose farms.
• Infested rose plants exhibited symptoms of stunting, reduced productivity, chlorosis, and wilting.
• Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the identity of M. hapla, with sequence similarity ranging from 96 to 100% to known accessions.

Conclusions:

• This study reports the first occurrence of Meloidogyne hapla in Ethiopia, specifically in rose cultivation areas.
• The presence of M. hapla poses a significant threat to the economic viability of Ethiopia's rose export sector.
• Increased awareness and targeted management strategies are essential to mitigate the impact of this invasive nematode pest.